Why you should read this article:

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To understand why hypertension disproportionately affects certain male populations

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To gain insight into the parallel process model and people’s reactions to messages perceived as threatening

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To explore the cultural and psychological factors that can inhibit self-care behaviours in men

Hypertension disproportionately affects African-American men compared with their white counterparts and with African-American women. Self-care is key in the effective management of chronic conditions such as hypertension. This article explores the cultural and psychological factors that make African-American men less likely to engage in self-care behaviours. These factors include the way in which gender socialisation can perpetuate traditional views of masculinity, which can translate in an unwillingness to seek support from healthcare professionals.

A crucial psychological factor is whether people’s reactions to health promotion messages tend to be driven by fear control or by danger control. Gaining insight into what influences the health beliefs and behaviours of African-American men can enhance nurses’ education and health promotion interventions, subsequently leading to better outcomes for these patients.